Causality of Digitalization With Social Sustainability in Selected Countries

Abstract

The theoretical review argued that digitalization is favourable to increase social sustainability. However, research communities could not develop the empirical association between digitalization and social sustainability. Hence, this chapter develops an empirical tool to examine the association between digitalization and social sustainability across 34 countries during 2000-2018 using panel data investigation. It creates a social sustainability index (SSI) and information & communication technology index (ICTI). The time trend analysis is used to explain the relative performance of these countries in social sustainability and digitalization. The results claim a high diversity in social sustainability and digitalization across countries. The above-mentioned indicators have a positive causality. Science & technological advancement, production of manufacturing sector, FDI and merchandise trade are found supportive to increase social sustainability and digitalization. Environmental degradation creates complications to increase social sustainability.